One of the most persistent myths about concussion is that you have to be “knocked out” for it to count. Parents, coaches and even players themselves often use loss of consciousness as the deciding factor for whether an injury is “just a knock” or something more serious. This assumption can mean genuine concussions on the sporting field go unrecognised, right here across the Mornington Peninsula’s clubs and school sporting teams.
The reality, based on current concussion guidelines including those used by the AFL and taught through Complete Concussions (CCMI) frameworks, is that the vast majority of concussions do not involve any loss of consciousness at all. Understanding this is one of the most important steps parents, coaches and young athletes can take toward recognising and responding to concussion appropriately.
Why Loss of Consciousness Is the Exception, Not the Rule
Concussion is a functional brain injury caused by a sudden force to the head or body that causes the brain to move rapidly within the skull. This can happen during a tackle, a fall, a collision under a netball ring, heading a ball, or a knock during basketball or cricket. Loss of consciousness only occurs in a small proportion of cases. In most instances, the brain is affected without the person ever “blacking out”, which is exactly why concussion is sometimes called an invisible injury.
Signs and Symptoms That Don’t Involve Blacking Out
Because concussion can look subtle, it helps to know the broader range of signs it can present with. These generally fall into a few categories, and a person doesn’t need to show all of them for a concussion to be present.
- Physical: headache, dizziness, nausea, balance problems, sensitivity to light or noise, blurred or double vision
- Cognitive: feeling “foggy” or slowed down, difficulty concentrating, confusion about the game or recent events, memory gaps around the incident
- Emotional: irritability, sadness, feeling unusually anxious or “not themselves”
- Sleep-related: drowsiness, trouble falling asleep, or sleeping more or less than usual
Some of these signs appear immediately, while others may not become obvious until hours or even a day or two after the incident. This is one reason ongoing observation matters as much as the initial check on the sideline.
What This Means for Junior Sports Players
Junior sports players across the Peninsula, whether playing football, netball, basketball or cricket in local competitions from McCrae through to Dromana, Rosebud and Rye, are often the ones most at risk of having a concussion missed. Younger athletes may not have the vocabulary to describe what they’re feeling, may be eager to stay on the field, or may not realise their symptoms are connected to a knock earlier in the game. Coaches and parents play a crucial role simply by knowing that “they didn’t get knocked out” is not a reliable reason to assume everything is fine.
Why a Formal Approach to Recognition Matters
Because concussion symptoms can be inconsistent and easy to miss, relying on gut feeling alone isn’t ideal. A structured approach, using recognised screening tools and a step-by-step process, supports better-informed decisions about whether someone should come off the field and how their recovery should be monitored. This is the basis of concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula, which is designed to support recognition and guide return-to-activity decisions rather than replace individual clinical judgement.
It’s worth being clear about what testing can and can’t do. No assessment can prevent a concussion from happening, and no single test can guarantee it is safe to return to play. What a structured assessment does is provide a clearer, more consistent picture to support decisions made in consultation with an appropriately trained health professional. You can read more about this approach and what’s involved via our concussion page.
What to Do If You Suspect a Concussion
If a player takes a knock and shows any of the signs above, or if anyone is simply unsure, the safe response is the same regardless of whether consciousness was lost:
- Remove the player from play immediately, even if they insist they feel fine
- Avoid leaving them alone in the following hours
- Do not give them anti-inflammatory medication before assessment, as this can mask symptoms
- Arrange an assessment with a suitably trained health professional
- Follow a gradual, monitored return-to-activity plan rather than rushing back to sport or school
Clubs and schools around the Peninsula are increasingly building this kind of awareness into their sideline culture, and community education plays a big part in that shift.
Building Awareness Across the Community
Because so much of concussion recognition comes down to knowing what to look for, education for coaches, parents and club volunteers is genuinely valuable. Our team, trained through Complete Concussions (CCMI), regularly shares practical guidance with local sporting clubs and families. If you’d like to build this knowledge within your club or school community, our free concussion workshop is a helpful starting point, and our osteopaths also support broader recovery needs through our range of conditions we treat.
Ultimately, the take-home message is simple: a player doesn’t need to be knocked out for a concussion to be real. Watching for the fuller range of signs, and responding early with appropriate assessment, gives players across the Mornington Peninsula the best foundation for a well-supported recovery.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone have a concussion even if they never blacked out?
Yes. Most concussions occur without any loss of consciousness. Symptoms such as headache, dizziness, confusion or feeling foggy are far more common indicators than blacking out, so it’s important not to rule out concussion just because a player stayed conscious.
How soon do concussion symptoms usually appear?
Symptoms can appear immediately after an impact, but some don’t become noticeable until several hours or even a day or two later. This is why ongoing observation in the 24-48 hours after a knock is important, not just an initial check.
Should a player keep playing if they say they feel fine?
No. If there’s any suspicion of concussion, the player should be removed from play straight away, even if they insist they feel okay. Symptoms can be delayed or minimised by the player, particularly in competitive junior sport.
What does concussion testing actually involve?
Concussion testing generally involves a structured assessment of symptoms, balance, cognition and other functional markers, guided by recognised frameworks. It supports informed decisions about recovery and return to activity, but it doesn’t prevent concussion or guarantee a safe outcome on its own.
Where can local clubs learn more about recognising concussion?
Our team offers a free concussion workshop for coaches, parents and club volunteers on the Mornington Peninsula, covering how to recognise signs early and respond appropriately on the sideline.
Concussion testing on the Mornington Peninsula
To learn more or arrange concussion testing, assessment or return-to-play support, visit our concussion testing page or book an appointment online with The Seaside Osteo in McCrae.
This article is general information for Mornington Peninsula families and is not a substitute for individual medical assessment. If you suspect a concussion, seek advice from a qualified health practitioner, and call 000 if there are emergency warning signs.